Bekal-Vivanta by Taj(Staycation)

It was our very 1st anniversary,we wanted it to be a relaxed trip since we had already done a lot of trips this year :). We decided to go to one of the resorts of Vivanta by Taj. We had stayed their earlier in the year and we were not disappointed. While researching the resort looked beautiful in the pictures and the reviews were outstanding. So we booked the hotel well in advance; a good way to get a bargain in the peak season.
Bekal is not top-of-the-charts in holiday destination for outsiders. Well known to those in surrounding cities though; it has long served as a weekend getaway for people living in Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Kerala.
Bekal is the Kasargod district of Kerala. Kerala is well known for the backwaters and the greenery, Bekal offers you the same.The famous Bekal fort is here.
How to reach

 We took a train from Chennai, the train does stops at Kasargod. We  however planned on staying a day at Mangalore  and enjoyed the fantastic food the place has to offer before leaving for Bekal.
From mangalore we took a KSRTC bus from KSRTC bus stop at Bejai.There are buses for Kasargod every 15 min.We reached at Kasargod around 12PM after 2 hours’ journey. From there we took an auto from there for Bekal for 230INR.
TIP
1. Bus ride costs less but are not very comfortable.
2. Auto drivers may not know the exact location so make sense to make pit-stops along the way to make sure you are on track. Connecting up with the hotel on phone would be helpful
3. If you are driving by yourself it is all the more important you make sure you are on track
There are signboards of Vivanta on the way which would help. The landmark would be Kappil Beach

Hotel Entrance

Well received at the reception,we were taken to our rooms.Staff is courteous eager to help and very pleasant.

Reception

This 26 acres property has around 71 rooms of which 60 rooms are operating as of now.There is a touch of Balinese culture to the property with the local touch of course present all over the place.The property is beautifully done.The roofs are given the look of a houseboat which is very interesting and unique.

 It was our anniversary, our room was decorated  a cake was waiting for us too. Well done Taj!!!

The bathroom was big and very nicely done.We liked the way the tap  filled the bathtub,very innovative.
Some of the facilities available to the guests are lockers in all rooms, choice of English/Hindi DVD’s available at the reception, complimentary fruit daily.

 The chitra pothi art on our room wall.They have taken care of each and every minute detail.Its worth noticing the minute details.The outdoor sitting area and swing-bed made it even more wonderful.

Property is well decorated with beautiful and interesting statues

 The property is huge and has a backwater running through the property. This stream divides that hotel rooms from the spa area. As the property is big the hotel has put into use  ” buggies” for the guests to move around.

Strip of land separates backwater and the sea

We went for a walk in the evening on the beach.The beach is super neat and the sand feels like cushion under the feet.The best beach seen so far in India.Its simply  beautiful.

Loved the walk on the sand

Some Fun

We spotted a starfish too :).

The place sells itself as a spa resort and offers Spa and yoga session for relaxation and rejuvenation. They have  other activities like Kayaking,archery also.

We had our own fun and frolic session :)

Loved cycling around the place!!

The pool is neat and has an awesome view of the Backwaters and the sea.

They have made seating arrangements like these around the backwaters.Couples can sit here and enjoy the view over a drink.

The restaurant is beautifully done too.The property is just 1 year old so they have used quite interesting and innovative ideas which makes it stand out.

There are 3 restaurants By the Bay which specializes in Sea Food, Latitude-where breakfast  and Dinner-Buffet is served and Ivory bar. There is also a small grill restaurant near the pool which serves grill food.

The buffet!

The spread was pretty good.There were 2 soups.Some 3 Chinese dishes were there.Hunan potatoes,Stir fried vegetables,Noodles well cooked and good to taste.The Chicken(Chinese dish,not able to recollect the name now) was awesome,did not quite like chicken in wine.There were no North Indian Non-veg dishes :( .The veg north Indian dishes were quite tasty ..Dal tadka,Kadai paneer,Taurai ki sabji..We tried South Indian dishes as well and they were yummy too..They had a lot of Salads as well and the presentation was impressive.The desserts looked tempting and we thought we would taste and got some but could not taste at all thanks to the cake we had eaten in the afternoon which was yumm and soft like sponge :)
If you want to go on a relaxed trip and yet want to enjoy what the place offers,head here.The place is beautiful.We were smitten by it.Taj knows how to pamper their guests.We were quite impressed and would surely visit this place again.

Hotel Address-

Vivanta by Taj – Bekal, Kerala,
Kappil Beach,
Udma West (P.O.),
Paalakunnu,
Kasaragod District,
Kerala – 671319

Telephone: +91 467 661 6612

 Website- http://www.vivantabytaj.com/Bekal-Kerala